Approaches to data-driven exploration in Queensland

Abstract

Queensland has a very significant petroleum resource endowment within 27 hydrocarbon basins spread across the state. Three of those basins already host Australia’s largest onshore gas supply industry, leaving significant opportunity to develop additional gas resources. To optimise the development of new resources, the Geological Survey of Queensland (GSQ) is implementing an integrated approach to exploration and appraisal called ‘data driven exploration’. Working in collaboration with industry, the research sector and relevant government agencies, GSQ is promoting data-driven exploration in four ways: by (1) optimising the type and quality of geoscience data collected and reported by industry; (2) improving data curation practices in government data repositories; (3) creating value-added opportunities for the use of geoscience data; and (4) improving industry capability and capacity through skills enhancement, collaborative mechanisms, and access to an expert capability network. The overarching objective of ‘data-driven exploration’ is to enable industry exploration and appraisal success by making best use of geoscience data coupled with supporting mechanisms to improve competency and capability to derive, interpret and employ geoscience information. The expression of success will vary depending on individual circumstances, but is intended to encompass a range of outcomes including improvements in the rate, cost and efficiency of discovery and appraisal.